Road trips can go either way

I think we’re heading to central IL tomorrow for a visit with my wife’s grandparents.  They recently moved from their farm to a retirement home, and I know they’d love to see Roy.

I’ve never been a big fan of the “road trip,” having done several in college and beyond.

Then again, with the right combination of weather, companions and a little luck, anything can be great.

Big road trips planned for the spring?  The last great trip you took?

Let’s talk about it, today after 3pm.

Getting the best out of everything

A lot of folks have today off for President’s Day, including my wife Jill.

After some much-needed and long-overdue housecleaning, we grilled jalapeno burgers for lunch (enjoying the sunshine even if it IS only 34 degrees).

How are you making the day count … what’s the best thing to do on your day off?

Let’s talk about it, today after 3pm.

Out of your comfort zone

Jill & I went to the opera last night.

Apparently, I made a random comment in conversation last October about how everyone should go to the opera just once, including myself.   Christmas morning, there are 2 tickets!

We saw Tristan und Isolde, by Richard Wagner.  At 4 hours and 40 minutes in length, it was way too long for a beginner’s opera (according to EVERYone at the Lyric Opera).

Definitely outside our comfort zone, but it turned out great.   An experience to behold and the subtitles really helped too.

I’m curious about the last time you ventured outside the norm in YOUR life, and the results.

Let’s chat about it, today after 3pm.

Keith Urban & The Opera

I’m off this afternoon, headed to the opera with my wife Jill (her Christmas present to me).  I’ve never been to the opera before, so I’m not sure what to expect.  Regardless, I’m excited.

Craig is filling in this afternoon, and again, you have two chances to grab Keith Urban tickets UNDER THE TABLE, with the Short Term Memory Quiz, and the Drew Walker Drive @ 5.

I am back for The Road tonight at 10pm, though.  My special guests are Toby Keith & Sugarland, plus Montgomery Gentry, Rascal Flatts, and many more.  Join me for 2 hours of live music and conversation tonight!

Make it a great day, and we’ll chat soon.  As always, thanks for playing!

Your favorite new techno toy

I’m always searching for things to make our lives easier.

In early January, I mentioned a “mystery” new product that Jill & I were checking out.  The trial period is now over, and we LOVE it.  As a result, we’ve just dropped our home local & long distance service from the big guys.

For only $20 a year, you get a local phone number, and all local & LD calling.  Caller ID, forwarding, call waiting, voicemail, you name it.  All the features you’re used to.  Plus, international calling to Aunt Liz & Uncle Willie in Scotland is only 2 cents a minute.

It is www.magicJack.com … all you need is an internet connection.

Instead of $30-40 a month, we’ll pay $20 a year.  That’s a CHUNK of change saved, and the difference goes right into Roy’s college fund.

I’m curious about your favorite new techno gadget of the last month, even the last year.  Is it saving you money too?

Let’s chat about it today, after 3pm.

Getting burned, even when you follow the rules

My wife Jill got to work over 40 minutes late this morning, due to the folks at Metra.  

The crossing gates were stuck in the down position.  She and a group of 20 others decided not to cross, even with no trains in either direction.

Once her train arrived, already 15 minutes late, the group waited for the Metra flagger to appear and help them across.

Instead, the train pulled away after a few minutes, leaving them stranded!

With the gates still in the down position, the next train arrived 20 minutes later.  This time, a Metra flagger exited at the back of the train to help them.

This episode furthers my opinion that the folks at Metra really don’t care about much.  Customer service, on-time performance, all the things their commercials tout.  They just don’t get it.

Have you been burned recently, after playing by the rules?

Let’s talk about it today, after 3pm.

Text me at US 99.5, starting next week

Another day of below-zero temperatures, and my wife Jill is convinced we need to insulate our kitchen (it’s the coldest room in our house, directly above the only unfinished room in the basement).  Seeing that they probably had little, extra insulation in 1924, I agree.

I’m waiting for the high of 5 at lunchtime.

But the big news this morning … 287-995.  Those 6 simple digits are the new text number for US 99.5!

Starting next week, you’ll be able to text to win, text to chat, text for whatever reason you’d like.  If you can’t get through on the phone and you’re away from e-mail, texting is the way to go!

On that note, who are you texting the most every day?  10 messages?  20 messages?  50 messages?

Let’s talk about it, today after 3pm.

I’m the redneck of our block

Did you miss Brad Paisley on the show yesterday?  He gave me the OK to be the redneck of my block, in addition to bragging about his mad high school winter sporting skills.  Click the Podcast page above, and you can listen to the entire conversation.

Something I’ve been thinking of for months – what can we do different to save money in today’s economy.  How are you trimming costs?  Jill & I are trying something new for our home phone, and it could save us up to $300 a year.

It arrived on Wednesday, and we love it so far.  If we’re still digging it in 2 weeks, I’ll tell you what it is, and we’ll officially drop our local & long distance home phone costs.

What’s the best way to save cash in today’s world?  Let’s talk about it, today after 3pm.

Day 3, and still rolling

Today is Day 3 of my New Years’ resolutions, although I think of more importance, it’s the first year I’ve ever really done them.

But … day 3, and I’m still AOK.  I did add one more to the list, though — drinking *8* eight-ounce glasses of water a day.  Jill’s been on me for years to do it, but I never saw the point.  I know, I know.

Strangely enough, I’ve had 4 glasses so far today (it’s about 12:30pm), and I actually *feel* better than I have in a long time.

Glass of water right out of bed, still my cup of DD coffee, and more water.

Have you already given up on any NY resolutions?  Need a little encouragement? 

Let’s talk about it, today after 3pm.  On US*99.5!

Brand New Day

It’s just after 11am, and Roy is still sleeping off his late-night partying.  OK, I take that back.  It’s just the first nap of the day.

Jill is listening to her favorite year countdown (1994) on the radio, as text-voted by her.  She’s also reading FanFiction.  Don’t ask.

And me, I’m just ready for whatever is coming.  Right now, that means a shower and clean clothes.

Nevertheless, I think good things are on the way. I believe it.

Happy New Year 2009, and I can’t wait to catch up Monday after 3pm.